NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL

The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Music National 4

UNITS
+
ADDED
VALUE
UNIT

PERFORMING SKILLS
COMPOSING SKILLS
UNDERSTANDING MUSIC
ADDED VALUE UNIT: PERFORMANCE

HISTORY
MUSIC

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

NATIONAL

What skills will my child develop?

sufficiently accurate performing skills in solo and/or group settings

on two selected instruments or on one instrument and voice

the ability to create original music using straightforward

compositional methods and music concepts when composing,

arranging or improvising
knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural
factors influencing music
knowledge and understanding of music and musical literacy by
listening to music
identifying level-specific annotated music signs, symbols, concepts
and styles
understanding the creative process and expressing him or herself
through music
critical and analytical listening skills and evaluation for improvement
personal creativity and applying music concepts to personal practice

WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE?

Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations

A blend of classroom approaches including practical and experiential

learning; using music technology such as audio recordings, computer

music programmes
Collaborative learning: with others in multi-instrument groups; shared
listening experiences; whole class discussion and exploration; group
improvisation; curricular links with the expressive arts and languages
Space for personalisation and choice: learners may choose research and
presentation methods, musical pieces, composition style
Applying learning
Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting
information; evaluating; communicating.

ASSESSMENT

To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units

Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA
external quality assurance to meet national standards)

Unit assessment (or evidence of learning) will demonstrate performing

competence in two instruments or one instrument and voice; compositional

skills; and evidence of knowledge of music concepts, literacy, notation,
extracts and styles. Evidence may be oral, observational, a diary or blog or
may be gathered through video or audio recordings, presentations, podcasts,
answers to questions and may be stored in an e-portfolio
The Added Value Unit (Performance) will require learners to prepare and
perform a programme of music.
National 4 progresses onto National 5

For more detailed course information:

SQA: Music National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47387.html
Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp
Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile:
www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf

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The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series.